Turnberg: Couple uses Facebook to expand family

Facebook.

Some people love it, some people hate it. Regardless of your personal viewpoint, Facebook does have some redeeming value.

For instance, it lets you locate and keep in touch with friends you don’t see as often as you would like, it can help you see red flags on a guy you just started dating. And now, perhaps, it can even help you grow your family.

At least that is the hope of Jamie and Heather Thompson.

I have known Jamie for just about as long as I can remember. We attended the same nursery school, and several years later we graduated together. He is a riot to be around and a rock-solid friend. I was at his wedding to Heather, and I have met their adorable son, Griffin.

And after almost 10 years of marriage, they desperately want to give their son a brother or sister.

But like many couples, they have struggled with infertility, including four pregnancy losses.

They have been told that sometimes a family and birth mother can meet via word of mouth. What better way to network than through social media? So, they thought, why not try Facebook?

So began the Thompson Family Adoption page.

Count me as one who enthusiastically opts to “like” their page. Their page is intended to be a place for expectant mothers who might consider giving up their child for adoption a look into their daily lives. It is a place they can actually look into their home and to check out some of the things their family does throughout the year.

The page reads, in part: “We’re Jamie (the dad), Heather (the mom), and Griffin (the hopeful big brother) – a down-to-earth, faith-filled team that has lots of love to share. We’re looking forward to growing our family through adoption.

“We live on a lake in central Minnesota and are close to family, both in proximity and spirit. Heather’s mom and dad (Poppa and Nonna) have a cabin across the lake from us ... which means lots of boat rides, tubing, and playing on the swing set!

Jamie’s parents live a short hour away; his dad’s farm is full of adventure for Griffin, his cousins and Griffin’s future sibling.

“We are approved for domestic infant adoption through Lutheran Social Services and are hoping for an open adoption. We are hopeful that together, we can turn two difficult situations into a blessing.”

So many times in life we feel helpless, but it occurred to me that this column may be a way for me to help Jamie and Heather get the word out.

It may also give other hopeful parents the idea to do the same, and help network with other soon-to-be moms, who may not quite be ready for motherhood but are willing to help another family become more complete.

Facebook. I hope it will soon bring my friends face to face with a new member of their family.

Michelle Turnberg writes a weekly column for SheSays.

Tags: michelle turnberg, shesays, family, columns